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A comprehensive report published in The Lancet Neurology has unveiled staggering statistics: one in three individuals worldwide is impacted by neurological conditions, marking them as the leading cause of disability and poor health globally. The report sheds light on the widespread prevalence of neurological disorders, urging for increased resources and attention across the spectrum from prevention to treatment.
Neurological conditions encompass a broad range of disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, and muscles, often leading to movement disorders or alterations in emotions and behavior. While some conditions manifest from birth, others emerge later in life, affecting individuals in their twilight years.
Published this week, the study delves into the global impact of 37 neurological disorders, including stroke, migraines, and the rapidly growing diabetic neuropathy. According to the report, these conditions collectively affected a staggering 3.4 billion people globally in 2021 and were responsible for 11.1 million deaths.
Dr. Valery Feigin, director of the National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neuroscience at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, expressed astonishment at the magnitude and rapid growth of neurological disorders. “Our research showed that more than 40% of all people globally have some neurological health loss — a very large proportion of the population,” he stated.
The report highlights the disproportionate burden of neurological disorders in low- and middle-income regions, where more than 80% of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributed to these conditions occur. Notably, neurological disorders have surpassed cardiovascular disease as the primary cause of poor health and disability worldwide, with DALYs increasing by 18% since 1990.
Among the top neurological conditions identified in the report are stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, dementia, and diabetic neuropathy, the latter experiencing a threefold increase in global cases since 1990. The rise in neurological disorders is partly attributed to the aging population, with age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease becoming more prevalent.
Despite these concerning trends, the report offers glimmers of hope, pinpointing modifiable risk factors for conditions like stroke and dementia. Controlling high blood pressure, reducing household air pollution, and managing blood sugar levels are highlighted as effective strategies for lowering DALYs associated with these conditions.
While the report underscores the urgent need for policy changes and resource allocation, Dr. Feigin emphasizes individual agency in reducing the risk of neurological disorders through lifestyle modifications. “Our health-related behaviors make a difference,” he emphasized. “We can lower our risk of developing chronic neurologic conditions like dementia through optimizing our lifestyle-related behaviors.”
As policymakers grapple with the implications of this report, the global community is urged to prioritize neurological health, from bolstering preventative measures to enhancing access to specialized care. With concerted efforts at both individual and systemic levels, there is hope for mitigating the impact of neurological disorders and improving the quality of life for millions worldwide.
